THE PRESS BOX.

Boxer suspended, charged for postfight punch

November 28, 2001

ALBANY, N.Y. — A middleweight boxer who punched his opponent after their fight ended has been suspended indefinitely by the New York State Athletic Commission.

James Butler, 28, of New York, also faces a second-degree assault charge for the short hook with gloves off that dropped Richard Grant long after the final bell. Grant had just won a 10-round decision in a bout televised Friday night by ESPN.

A commission hearing is likely next month to determine Butler's punishment and whether he will receive his $10,000 purse.

In the audience for the fight at New York's Roseland Ballroom was Raymond Kelly, head of the state boxing commission, who called for the suspension.

In footage replayed on newscasts, Butler is shown slugging Grant, 24, as they met for the usual fighters' hug after the match. Grant went down, appearing groggy, and later received stitches for a cut tongue.